| Description | DOB: Unknown
DOD: Unknown
His father was Catholic from a West Irish family, whilst his mother was Scottish from a Northern Irish family and Protestant.
Born in Seaham Harbour, but shortly after his family moved to Harton Colliery where his dad found work; there was frequent moving during his childhood.
He had seven brothers (two of whom died) and two sisters.
Started Saint Benet’s Roman Catholic School at five-years-old.
Later got moved to Southwich Board School, after one of Saint Benet’s priests physically assaulted one of his brothers for not attending church.
Attended a village school in Boldon Village.
Married to a Salvationist.
He worked at several collieries with some of his brothers and father including Philadelphia, Wheatley Hill, and Shotton Colliery.
He did work at Lambton D. Pit for six months.
From 1922 to 1930, he was the Chairman of the Miners Lodge.
Temporarily given road making work at Town Kelloe, then on the dole.
He was a clerk at Wingate Labour Exchange in 1930.
In 1934 he was a check weighman with Sir William Lawther at Wheatley Hill, soon after becoming Secretary to the Miner’s Lodge.
He was elected to be a member of the Durham Miner’s Executive Committee in 1928, later the Chairman of the Durham County Aged Miner’s Association.
He was a local Secretary for Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s Families Association, for which he received a Long Service Medal.
He was actively involved in the Independent Labour Party and socialism, often reading books on the latter.
With the guidance of Mr Bob Smith, he picked up music and joined the Wheatley Hill Orchestra.
Continued after his childhood to attend lectures, following an absence of a childhood education.
The Irish conflicts (The Troubles) had affected his life since childhood due to his family combination.
The Boer War was mentioned during his childhood reminiscences.
Initially active in the First World War with the Royal Garrison Artillery.
He details the starting days of the Independent Labour Party.
He was a Miner who striked in the General Strike/ The Stoppage, 1926.
Awarded an M.B.E. from the Queen on the 14th February, 1967.
This transcript is handwritten, with 23 pages.
[Alcoholism], [Collieries], [Coal Mines], [Irish], [Trade Union], Socialism, Labour |